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International Finance

Chapter 1: Finland
Chapter 2: Belize
Chapter 3: Israel
Chapter 4: Canada
Chapter 5: Switzerland
Chapter 6: Panama
Chapter 7: Egypt
Chapter 8: Liechtenstein
Chapter 9: Mexico
Chapter 10: Nepal
Chapter 11: South Africa
Chapter 12: France
Chapter 13: Vietnam
Chapter 14: Pitcairn Island
Chapter 15: Brazil
Chapter 16: Greece
Chapter 17: Japan
Chapter 18: Falkland Islands
Chapter 19: Australia
Chapter 20: Iceland
Chapter 21: Qatar
Chapter 22: India

Chapter 1: Finland

Finland is a long narrow country in northern Europe. Tucked between Sweden and Russia, its northernmost territory—about one-third of its area—lies within the Arctic Circle in the Land of the Midnight Sun. This remote region experiences long periods of continuous sunshine in the summer and long periods of darkness in the winter. Finland lies on a flat plateau broken by small hills and valleys. Rich green forests and some 55,000 blue lakes cover most of the countryside. Its nearly 3,000-mile-long coast is girded by colorful gray and red granite and is dotted with thousands of offshore islands. Ruled first by Sweden and later by Russia, Finland became an independent republic in 1917.

To learn more about Finland, visit www.finland.org.

Chapter 2: Belize

Tucked under the southeast border of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize is bounded by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the south and west. A land rich in natural beauty, this small country supports tropical forests, numerous rivers, an expansive coastline with hundreds of offshore islands, mountain ranges, low-lying savannas, and none of the active volcanoes that threaten the rest of Central America. Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize was the last Central American country to gain independence. In 1981 it ceased to be a colony of the United Kingdom.

To learn more about Belize, visit www.belize.org.

Chapter 3: Israel

Israel is a small, narrow country—only 68 miles at its widest stretch—that lies at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s landscape includes mountains, fertile plains, and deserts. The Jordan, the longest of the region’s few rivers, flows into the Dead Sea on Israel’s eastern border. At 1,312 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place (and the saltiest water) on earth. Over time ruled by a series of invaders—Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Turks, British—Israel proclaimed independence in 1948.

To learn more about Israel, visit www.israel.com.

Chapter 4: Canada

Canada, the world’s second largest country, is bordered on three sides by oceans—the Atlantic to the east, the Artic to the north, and the Pacific to the west. Its sprawling southern boundary is shared with the U.S., along with two major landforms: the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Canada also offers rocky coasts, thick forests, numerous clear lakes, and the Barren Lands in the arctic region to the north. Covered with only a carpet of frozen tundra in winter, this icy landscape blossoms into thousands of tiny, brightly colored flowers in the summer. Formerly a British colony, Canada slowly won independence during the 1800s and early 1900s, but still recognizes Elizabeth II of Great Britain as the nation’s queen.

To learn more about Canada, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 5: Switzerland

At the center of Austria, Germany, France, and Italy, Switzerland has often been called the crossroads to Europe. Three unique land regions make up the country’s small size: the snow-capped Alps to the south, the Jura Mountains in the northwest, and the fertile plateau of the Mittelland, or “Middle Land,” in between. The Alps, Europe’s largest mountain system, cover 60 percent of the country and make Switzerland the watershed—a high place from which rivers flow—of central Europe. Fed by melting snow, such major European rivers as the Rhine and Rhone begin in the Swiss Alps. Once a part of the Holy Roman Empire, Switzerland has enjoyed independence for more than 700 years and is honored as one of the world’s oldest democracies.

To learn more about Switzerland, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 6: Panama

Panama, the southernmost country of Central America, forms a 410-mile, S-shaped isthmus from Central to South America. The isthmus is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Panama consists of three natural areas: a mountainous interior; the grasslands of the Pacific region; and the Caribbean region, habitat to dense rain forests and strawberry poisonous frogs. Well known to the world’s medical community, these tiny, red creatures produce pain-killing toxins 200 times more powerful than morphine. In the year 2000, Panama’s independence was complete when the U.S. gave up control of the Panama Canal.

To learn more about Panama, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 7: Egypt

Egypt lies on Africa’s northeastern corner and consists of three major land areas: the Sinai Peninsula on the Asian continent, deserts that blanket two-thirds of the country, and the fertile Nile River valley. The Nile River—the world’s largest at almost 1,000 miles long—flows northward through Egypt. If seen from above, the river valley looks like a narrow green ribbon cutting across the desert. Egyptians call their land “the gift of the Nile.” The river supplies 85 percent of the country’s water, rich soil for farming, and transportation. For centuries, Egypt was ruled by a host of invading foreigners. In 1953 it became an independent republic and one of the most powerful nations on the globe.

To learn more about Egypt, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 8: Liechtenstein

One of the world’s tiniest countries, Liechtenstein lies in the fertile valley of the Rhine River. Its 60-square-mile area is completely landlocked by Austria and Switzerland. Like its Alpine neighbors, the country enjoys picturesque landscapes of glacial lakes and streams, flowering meadows, and snow-peaked mountains covered with shady, evergreen forests. Liechtenstein’s fairy tale beauty has inspired many legends over the centuries. One tale tells of the little wild men, or Wildmannli, who come out of their mountain caves each night to tidy up for sleeping villagers. Liechtenstein does not have an army and, since 1866, has remained neutral in times of war. An independent state, the country is a constitutional monarchy ruled by hereditary princes.

To learn more about Liechtenstein, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 9: Mexico

Stretching 1,850 miles between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, Mexico forms part of a land bridge connecting North and South America. At its northernmost (and widest) extent, Mexico shares a common boundary with the United States. Belize and Guatemala flank its southern border. The country’s landscape varies from coastal lowlands and a massive central plateau to spectacular mountains and active volcanoes. Resting on the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire”—an area of frequent volcanic and seismic activity—Mexico experiences terrifying earthquakes. Early Native Americans known as the Aztecs called Mexico the “land of the shaking earth.” Once ruled by the Spanish and later by a few rich and powerful people, Mexico today, like the U.S., is a federal republic.

To learn more about Mexico, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 10: Nepal

Nepal is a tiny kingdom wedged between India and China. The country’s most outstanding feature is the Himalayan mountain range, which towers over 80 percent of its area. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world belong to the Himalayas of Nepal, as well as one of the world’s most enduring legends. Though never captured, it’s said that a giant, apelike beast, called the “abominable snowman,” roams the country’s mountainous region. Hills and valleys lie south of the mountains. A river plain, including rain forests, farmland, and swamps, stretches along the Nepal-India border. Governed by a king and a prime minister, Nepal is a constitutional monarchy.

To learn more about Nepal, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 11: South Africa

South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. Its west coast borders the Atlantic Ocean, and its south and east coasts border the Indian Ocean. Most of South Africa consists of a large plateau that rises from the country’s interior. A land of contrasts, the country has many landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to winding coastal plains. South Africa’s vast lands also engulf two independent African nations—Lesotho and Swaziland. These two countries are enclaves—small countries surrounded, or nearly surrounded, by a large one. In 1991 racial segregation (apartheid) was ended in South Africa. In 1994 the first election was held in which all people could vote. The first black African president, Nelson Mandela, was elected.

To learn more about South Africa, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 12: France

Only slightly smaller then Texas, about half of France’s border is formed by coastline: the Mediterranean Sea to the west and northwest. In 1994 a tunnel—the Chunnel—was built under the English Channel to connect France with Great Britain. For the first time, French and English citizens could travel between their two countries by rail. France’s boundaries are also formed by the Rhine River—Europe’s greatest inland waterway—and several great mountain ranges, including the French Alps. Ruled by kings for more than 800 years, today’s France is a strong republic and holds an important role in world affairs.

To learn more about France, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 13: Vietnam

Vietnam is a narrow, S-shaped country, often described as looking like a farmer’s pole with a rice basket hanging from its ends. Its area extends about 1,000 miles south from China to the Gulf of Thailand. To the east, Vietnam is bordered by the South China Sea; to the west, by Cambodia and Laos. For a small country—30 miles at its narrowest point—Vietnam is made up of a variety of land forms: mountainous highlands, covered with forests or jungles; coastal plains; and fertile delta regions formed by the country’s rivers. Over time, Vietnam has been ruled by China, occupied by the French and the Japanese, and, for 30 years, engaged in civil war. In 1974, at the end of the Vietnam War, the country was united under a communist government.

To learn more about Vietnam, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 14: Pitcairn Island

Located in the Pacific island region called Polynesia, halfway between Peru and New Zealand, Pitcairn Island is one of the 25,000 islands that dot the South Pacific Ocean. Pitcairn is the major, and only inhabited, island of an isolated four-island group called Pitcairn. It covers only about two square miles in area (not even half the size of Washington D.C.). Formed by volcanic eruption, the island is half encircled by steep, rocky cliffs. Despite a rugged interior, about half of the island is covered with fertile soil. Over two centuries of settlement have claimed all but a small number of the island’s trees. Pitcairn Island is Great Britain’s last territory in the Pacific island region.

To learn more about Pitcairn Island, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 15: Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. It is bordered by every other South American country except Chile and Ecuador. The Atlantic Ocean flanks its eastern border. Because of its great size, Brazil supports a variety of landscapes—coastal plains, mountainous highlands, more than 1,000 rivers, and the tropical rain forest of the Amazon basin. This region, with more than 40,000 species of plants, provides sources for one-fourth of the world’s medicines. In 1822 Brazil won independence from Portugal and became a monarchy. About 70 years later it became a republic. In the 20th century the Brazilian government has seesawed between democracy and dictatorship.

To learn more about Brazil, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 16: Greece

Greece lies at the southern tip of the Balkan (Turkish for mountain) Peninsula that juts into the sea from southeast Europe. Greece is a land of water: Ionian Sea to the west, Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Aegean Sea to the east. There is no spot on Greece more the 85 miles from coastal waters. Greece is also a land of mountains, extending to form numerous peninsulas and more than 2,000 islands. At the southern end of mainland Greece lies a large mountainous peninsula called Peloponnesus. Among its many ruins stands Olympia. On this site almost 3,000 years ago the first Olympic games were held. Greeks came under foreign rule for about 2,000 years. It was not until 1829 that their country regained its freedom.

To learn more about Greece, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 17: Japan

Japan is an archipelago, or chain of islands, just off the northeast coast of mainland Asia. Four main islands and thousands of smaller ones make up the country’s 1,200-mile arc of land. Japan’s islands are actually peaks of a great underwater mountain range that rises thousands of feet from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Except for a narrow strip of land that fronts the ocean, Japan is almost entirely covered with rugged mountains and steep hills. Called Nippon (Land of the Rising Sun) by its countrymen, Japan is known for its beautiful landscapes. It’s also known for its earthquakes (about 5,000 each year) and 60 active volcanoes. After centuries of imperial and military rule, Japan established a democratic government after the end of World War II in 1945.

To learn more about Japan, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 18: Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands consist of two large islands—East and West Falkland—and about 200, mostly uninhabited, smaller ones. With a combined area slightly smaller than Connecticut, the islands are rocky outcroppings that lie about 300 miles southeast of Argentina in the South Atlantic Ocean. Much of the country’s surface is hilly and bleak. Other than grasslands and a few trees, there is little vegetation. Not suitable for farming, the land provides layers of dark peat used for fuel. Discovered by an English explorer in 1592, the Falklands have at one time been claimed by France, Spain, and Argentina. Although Argentina still lays claim to the Falklands, the islands have been a colony of Great Britain since 1833.

To learn more about the Falkland Islands, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 19: Australia

Australia is the only place on earth that is both a continent and a country. It lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, too large to be called an island. Most of the continent consists of deserts, with a few mountains and hills; fertile coastal plains; and, in between, pasturelands known as the Central Lowlands or outback. Water is a scarce commodity in Australia, lacking in 75 percent of the country. One unusual feature of the lowlands is the Great Artesian Basin, where underground pools of water can be drilled to feed farms and ranches. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the British began to settle and rule Australia. In the early 1900s the country claimed independence from Great Britain.

To learn more about Australia, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 20: Iceland

Iceland’s 3,000-mile coastline is surrounded by water: the Greenland Sea to the north, the Norwegian Sea to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. The world’s second largest island, Iceland is a rugged country of geophysical wonders—spouting geysers, frequent earthquakes, miles-long glaciers, and erupting volcanoes. According to folklore, the country’s most famous volcano, Hekla, at almost 1,500 meters high, was believed to have hidden one of the gates to hell. Iceland is also a land of midnight sun. Each June the sun shines for almost 24 hours a day; each December, it’s dark for about the same amount of time. After long ties to Denmark, Iceland was declared a Republic in 1994.

To learn more about Iceland, visit www.iceland.org.

Chapter 21: Qatar

Qatar is a small oval-shaped peninsula that juts off eastern Saudi Arabia into the Persian Gulf. Most of the country is flat, covered with little more than desert, salt flats, and dry plains. Although it’s nearly surrounded by water, Qatar has little natural water of its own. Well water, unsuitable for drinking, is used to irrigate farming areas in the north. More than half of the drinking water is distilled from the sea. In 1916 Qatar became a protectorate of Great Britain. Claiming independence in 1971, Qatar is ruled by an emir (prince).

To learn more about Qatar, visit www.Britannica.com.

Chapter 22: India

India makes up about 75 percent of the South Asian subcontinent. Much of the country forms a peninsula that juts southward into the Indian Ocean. The country’s northern border, however, is rimmed by two great walls of mountains—the Himalayas and the Karakoram. At India’s center, a third mountain range is surrounded by deserts, rain forests, and the fertile Ganges Plain. The Ganges River, flowing more than 1,500 miles across the plain, is India’s longest waterway, believed by many to be sacred. Each year pilgrims come, by the millions, to bathe in its purifying waters. India was ruled by the British from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. In 1947 Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi led the country to independence and a democratic government.

To learn more about India, visit www.Britannica.com.